Decades-Old Foot Over Bridge Removed at Kottayam Station

Speedy Summary

• The dismantling of a 69-year-old Foot Over Bridge (FOB) at Kottayam Railway Station has been completed by the Thiruvananthapuram Division, Southern Railway.
• The RCC structure built in 1956 was deteriorating and posed safety risks for passengers and train operations.
• The 18 m long, 3 m wide bridge had operational challenges due to limited overhead equipment (OHE) clearance of only 4.69 meters.
• Removal work began mid-August but concluded on August 30, ahead of its September 13 deadline with minimal disruption to train services and passenger movement.
• Following the bridge’s removal, OHE clearance can now be normalized to standard height for smoother train operations.
• Dismantling forms part of an initiative aimed at upgrading passenger amenities amidst increasing traffic at Kottayam station.
• Southern Railway is actively replacing or reinforcing aging infrastructure nationwide as part of broader modernization efforts.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The swift completion of the old Foot Over Bridge dismantling signals an efficient execution by Southern Railway and highlights India’s ongoing focus on modernizing railway infrastructure to meet evolving demands and safety standards. The decision aligns with broader priorities such as ensuring passenger safety while accommodating increased traffic flows at major stations like Kottayam.

Restoration through removal allows critical technical upgrades-such as higher OHE clearances-which are key for future-proofing railway systems against expected expansions in modern rolling stock usage across India’s rail network. Efficient planning that reduced disruptions underscores the significance placed on public convenience during large-scale modification projects.

While localized in scope, initiatives such as this contribute meaningfully toward a safer and more reliable transportation system nationwide-a necessity given India’s high dependency on railways for mass transit.

Published – September 06, 2025